Unlicensed drivers who kill or injure someone while driving with a suspended or revoked license need to be punished
(Long Island, NY) Chris McGrath, candidate for the Special Election in New York State Senate’s Ninth District, pledged today to fight in Albany for tougher DWI laws.
“The current DWI laws are an injustice for our victims, families and communities. As a father of three daughters and someone who has spent my entire life helping people in need, helping victims and their families after senseless tragedies and fighting for our children. If I am elected as our next State Senator, I will fight for this bill to become law,” said Chris McGrath.
The DWI laws, on the books currently are inadequate. People driving with suspended or revoked licenses who kill or injure someone face only misdemeanor charges carrying a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail.
Recently, in Newsday, a man who drove with a suspended license and killed a 12-year-old boy walking to school was sentenced to 6 months in jail, with an additional 12 months for a separate felony DWI offense. Currently there is pending legislation (S.04649A) in the Legislature to address the loopholes.
Under this legislation, drivers would face up to four years in prison if they cause serious injury to another person and up to seven years in prison if they take someone’s life. The legislation has passed the Senate but is stalled in the NYC led State Assembly.
Chris McGrath is a candidate for the New York State Senate (SD-9.) He is not a politician, has never before run for elected office, and is a lifelong resident of the district. Chris has spent the majority of his career and personal life giving back to people in need. Following the devastating attacks of 9/11, Chris’s firm represented, pro-bono, the brave men and women who were first responders who helped in the search and recovering efforts at Ground Zero. As a member of the community, Chris, is involved in many civic and charitable organizations. He is a distinguished past president of Peninsula Kiwanis, creating the organization’s foundation for underprivileged and handicapped children. www.ChrisMcGrathForSenate.com
